Bartering and its Basics

Our current economic system has socialized us to exchange a form of money – whether cash or credit – to receive goods and services. Unfortunately, whenever we run short of this precious monetary commodity, we’re unable to obtain the things that we need or want.

In these times when finding extra cash is definitely challenging, we have to become creative if we want to maintain our standard of living. There really is no shortage of the items that we need in the marketplace; the problem lies with our inadequate supply of money to pay for them. What if there was another way to get products and services without having to spend money?

In olden times before a system of monetary exchange evolved, people were able to acquire the things they needed to survive, by exchanging an item they already had with other people’s goods. So a chicken farmer could supply eggs in return for milk from a farmer who raised cows. Bartering occurs when two parties swap goods or services without any monetary payment being received.

Is it possible to go back to the basics of the bartering process in these modern times? Definitely! While we will never fully replace the need for money, bartering in different forms can help us to spend less and still achieve our desired lifestyle.

Here are some ways we can implement bartering to our benefit:

Trading Your Skills

Many of us have talents and skills that are in demand; but most of us have never figured out how to market our abilities to profit from them. Bartering can help us to trade our talents and receive the benefit of someone else’s skills in return. The idea is to exchange services or products that would normally have similar monetary value; and it works best when it costs only a little time and effort.

There are countless ways that you can use this principle. If you’re a math teacher, you could offer to tutor your gardener’s child in exchange for landscaping services. If you’re a tailor, you could sew clothes for your barber in exchange for haircuts for your family. If you have a marketable skill, write down all the services you would like to have, and simply ask around until you find someone who is willing to barter for what you have to offer. What do you have to lose?

Everyday Bartering

Even if you don’t have a particular talent or skill that can be traded, you can use your imagination to find things to barter. Remember that everyone has requirements that may be difficult to meet due to money shortages. To be successful at bartering, you have to be perceptive of people’s needs and be willing to do tasks that can make their lives more comfortable or convenient.